Urology Coding Alert

In the April 2012, Vol. 14, No. 4 issue of Urology Coding Alert the "You Be the Coder" answer recommended that the coder report 52005 (Cystourethroscopy, with ureteral catheterization, with or without irrigation, instillation, or ureteropyelography, exclusive of radiologic service) and append modifier 50 (Bilateral services). You cannot always use modifier 50 with 52005, however.

Some private payers do allow modifier 50 or RT/LT on 52005 for bilateral surgeries, but that is the minority. Medicare and many other private payers do not. The answer in the April "You Be the Coder" was misleading.

Thank you to subscriber Ann D. Linton, CPC, CUC, business office manager for Baton Rouge Urology Group in Louisiana for pointing out the error.